Work Warning: A bit of blood. A bit of cursing. A lot of tribute.
And Alex said*, "Play the best machinima in the world, or I'll eat your soul." So I played the first machinima that came into my head. And it just so happened to be the best machinima in the world. Look at this Tribute and it's easy to see, one and one make two, two and one make three.
So, reaching into the wayback machine, I'm sharing this Tribute with you. But the best machinima in the world didn't look anything like this video. This is just a Tribute.
*He didn't. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
Warning: This video is Not Safe For Work. There's some occasional cursing and Princess Theradas flaunting her Willendorfer assets for several seconds.
I'm always excited to see new work from renowned machinima artist Ian Beckman. Mind you, I'm a bit biased since the two of us are acquainted (we briefly attended the same university -- he made me choke on my drink once while doing his Azerothian Super Villains Akama voice). Today's video is a parody of the song Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, featuring Wanz. The parody tells the story of a goblin on his quest to look awesome using vanilla tier gear and transmogrification.
As a machinima parody the piece certainly does its job in recreating the original song and music video, but it's definitely not Beckman's best parody. The lyrics don't really capture the original, lacking both the fun humor of Macklemore's rap lyrics, and the energy and clarity of Wanz's chorus. In regards to the latter point, I think this is part to Beckman doing his best to imitate Wanz's deep vocals but not quite being suited for it. Pulling in another singer to do the part probably would have made it better.
I'm probably being a bit unfair in my critique though, simply because I'm so familiar with Beckman's work. If this was produced by some no name machinima artist I'd probably be perfectly happy with it. You also have to consider what an incredibly difficult song Thrift Shop is to parody, with its many layers of instruments and vocals. Beckman certainly nails the distinct sound of the original and that's no small feat. I really do love the concept of this parody, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that Beckman might keep working on it to fine tune some of the shortcomings.
As an afterthought, I have to say I enjoy how this video clip fits in with the rest of Beckman's work. He's been playing since vanilla and it's always interesting to see how that inspires his present day work, like That's the World of Warcraft That I Used To Play. Transmog Shop gives off a similar vibe to Beckman's Gotye parody, using a new WoW feature to harken back to the old. It offers a nice contrast to other popular machinima and parody artists whose works tend to only reflect the current expansion. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
I've not featured many of these WoW Lore Lessons from Dorons Movies, but I'm shamefully behind on my Rexxar-chops, so I figured now would be a good time. WoW Lore Lesson: Rexxar is a handy catch-up on some key lore moments. The whole series is like this, although Dorons has a few technical challenge with the videos.
I'd try and use some in-game graphics to spice up the videos. I know it can be a pain to avoid copyright violations, but the video really needs that little touch to keep the action more intriguing. While he puts a lot of effort into narration, a 10 minute speech without narration can be a little... rough... to get through. Still, it's a good effort, and I appreciate your work. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
The Adventures of Tinkerbottom provides an interesting approach to machinima. It's essentially a which-way novel but in video form. The creator allows the audience to choose specific actions, and the character takes the action left in comments.
The experiment seems to be going pretty well. While the comments tend to try and dictate the next sequence, rather than just the appropriate action, it looks like Tinkerbottom is building quite the community. Now's definitely the time to scoot on over and check the series out. I think this could really grow into something awesome. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
Slightly Impressive returns to the tumultuous life of daytime television with Lowbies: Episode 3. With an amusing cast of character, punchier jokes, and some of Slightly Impressive's best imagined graphics, Lowbies: Episode 3 really shows off how far the machinimator has come with experience.
As we've seen with Slightly Impressive's other serial gags, I think he's finding his voice by growing a single series. He benefits by getting some mythology and ensemble behind his writing, and you can really see the results in this one. Nice job, Griff. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
Everyone's excited about patch 5.3 and the best way to express that eagerness is create some fan art. Wowmartiean created this trailer for patch 5.3 to help celebrate the upcoming lore expansion, featuring iconic moments from the game, the best voice files, and plenty of moody background music. If you're not already pumped for the new expansion, make sure to watch this expansion: it'll get you plenty revved up! Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
I hate to think that Fifth Element will run out of bosses to kill. Their raid trailers have become legend, and I look forward to new content just so that we might never run out of these amazing videos.
This opening is styled after the iconic opening to Lord of War. Fifth Element did an astounding job of recreating the effect in WoW. This opening will go on my list of top videos for 2013; it's simply that good. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
We don't usually run trailers, but Lamien is the brain-child of Hybrim Entertainment. Not only are they the creators behind Wable, but they forged the epic Lord of the Blings. Your mileage will vary, of course, but the immense effort, care, and scripting behind Lord of the Blings made Hybrim a force to be reckoned with. A trailer from them is worth running.
Lamien is an unspecified movie featuring all the same tropes you've seen in the theater. Whether talking about a Ridley Scott movie or even some summer popcorn flicks, you'll recognize plenty of vague claims. So kick back and get excited for a movie about something that might get released sometime in the future. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
An epidemic ravages the face of Azeroth. Whether inspired by bully-like urges or sheer meanness, the bulkier races feel the need to punt gnomes. But, finally, actions have consequences. You can't just punt a gnome and expect nothing will come of it.
Finally, a few individuals are taking action. With a methodical, creepy efficiency, a few gnomes are providing some sweet, pint-sized payback to gnome punters. Rectify your ways before they come to you.
This is an older video, and it's a shame we've missed it for this long. ResSickness did an amazing job of the joke, the animation, and the voice acting. Tone-perfect and skillfully made, Gnomes is worth the time. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
You're not prepared for this video. I don't know how you could prepare for this video. It's not possible. Built from in-game tracks and largely sang by baby murlocs, Pogo's Roarcraft is one of the best WoW songs ever created. Inspired by this greatness, GoldPikPikCarrots wrapped a thematically perfect machinima around it. Take the time to watch this video; it's really that good. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
Game of Gnomes is a pretty good send-up of HBO's massive epic series based on the books of the same name. Slightly Impressive obviously couldn't feature some of the naughtier aspect of the show, but he definitely pointed out some of the more absurd ones.
That throne of swords is pretty amazing. We need that model in game. And I have always wondered about that "Winter is Coming" thing, especially when they're standing neck deep in snow. If nothing else, Game of Gnomes gets you caught up on the basic things you need to know about the series.
Hodor. Hodor Hodor Hodor. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
Fifth Element keeps on delivering. This time, their opening portrays the crack raid team as those legendary Gargoyles. These videos are like taking a long, pleasant drink of nostalgia lemonade on a warm summer Saturday morning. My hat is continually off to these guys for the mind-blowing animations and non-stop awesomeness. It's really amazing.
It's simply a bonus that they killed Ji-Kun in the last pull of the night. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
This fine video is brought to you by Fireside Guild. Not only is it beautiful to watch, but it could be one of the best sleeping aids you'll ever encounter. See, Weightless by Marconi Union was created along with the British Academy of Sound Therapy to be one of the most relaxing songs ever heard. They were so successful that listeners are warned not listen to the song while driving.
I can vouch for the effectiveness. In the early heady days of parenthood, when the Shieldling refused to go to sleep, my wife and I resorted to playing this song for her. And it worked. If there wasn't something particularly wrong (like diapers), then Weightless would put her to sleep. It's amazing.
I am thrilled beyond words to see it put to a WoW machinima. Nice job, Fireside! Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
Those rapscallions from the Fireside Guild are back with this clever homage to one of the most frustrating robots in the history of WoW. Nimii and Behradin nailed the truth of the matter in The Blingtron 4000 Song: you will never get the Orb of Mystery from him. Never.
The singing in this video is fantastic and the animation is equally fun. Nimii's skills are obvious and I always look forward to what they're going to do next. In the words of Olivia, "I quite like this one." I think you'll agree. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
The miniature ancient crossed its arms and disapprovingly glared back at Throgg. For his own part, the orc sat on his heels, kneeling to stare intently at the tiny wood creature.
"The new rule," Lolegolas sighed, "is that every time you make me ask 'What are you doing?' then you also have to buy me a backrub."
The Blossoming Ancient huffed and walked his flowers on down the road.
Item Note: Details are scarce, but so far, it does seem like you'll get this guy from the Blizzard Store. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
Patch 5.2 interview with Dave Kosak
Inside an old alt's vault
The latest patch 5.2 news
All of the latest Mists of Pandaria news
Apr 26th 2013 at 6:00PM 
Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
